Kiwa investigates possibilities for hydrogen cooperation between the Netherlands and Japan
Both Japan and the Netherlands have a strong interest in hydrogen as a clean energy source and are working on its development and implementation. What are the strengths of both countries? And how can they strengthen each other to make the transition to a hydrogen economy cheaper and more efficient? Kiwa researched this for Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO). This resulted in the action plan 'Towards reducing hydrogen supply chain costs', which you can download below.
In Japan, hydrogen is seen as an important energy source for the future. The country has ambitious goals of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and plans to use hydrogen as an energy source in various sectors, including transportation, industrial processes and power generation. Japan already has an extensive network of hydrogen refueling stations and is investing in research and development of hydrogen technologies. The Netherlands also wants to have a sustainable energy supply by 2050. Our country has a strong position in gas transportation and is working to develop a hydrogen infrastructure, including hydrogen production, storage, hydrogen refueling stations and pipeline transportation.
Strengths
Japan and the Netherlands both have specific strengths in hydrogen. For example, Japan has expertise in hydrogen production and storage, while the Netherlands has a strong hydrogen distribution network. The Netherlands also has extensive experience in developing offshore wind energy, which can be an important source of renewable energy for hydrogen production.
Cooperation
The report shows that there are plenty of opportunities for the Netherlands and Japan to cooperate on hydrogen. For example, Japan could benefit from Dutch expertise in offshore wind energy, and the Netherlands could learn from Japanese experience in developing hydrogen infrastructure and applications. In addition, cooperation in research and development of new hydrogen technologies could contribute to accelerated innovation and implementation.
Platform
The action plan prepared by Kiwa - part of RVO's Partners for International Business program - focuses on the exchange of electrolysis technology, the development of harmonized standards and certification schemes at the international level, transparent and more accessible subsidies, and a platform for connecting the various players in the hydrogen industry. Such cooperation can help in the large-scale implementation of key technologies and connecting organizations for trade opportunities.
Download: Towards reducing hydrogen supply chain costs (English, PDF)